The Future Mining Forum & Expo, held in Katowice, Poland, recently concluded with a strong emphasis on the pivotal role of mining in modern economies. The event brought together key stakeholders from the mining sector, industry leaders, and government officials to discuss pressing issues related to raw materials, technological advancements, and the future of industrial Silesia. A recurring theme throughout the three-day conference was the assertion that ‘a modern economy starts with mining,’ underscoring the sector’s foundational importance.
One of the central topics addressed was the significance of critical raw materials, particularly coking coal, which is included on the European Union’s list of 34 critical raw materials. Prof. Jerzy Buzek highlighted the necessity of making coking coal extraction profitable, given its importance to the EU’s industrial landscape. Bogusław Oleksy, President of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), echoed these sentiments, pointing out the lack of sufficient support for coking coal despite its critical status. He stressed that while discussions about energy sovereignty are prevalent, they often lack the necessary backing in terms of concrete support mechanisms.
The need for a coherent industrial, raw materials, and energy policy within the EU was a key point raised by Oleksy, who warned that without clear direction, Europe risks losing its competitiveness in the global market. Wojciech Balczun, head of the Ministry of State Assets, also addressed JSW’s current challenges, particularly in maintaining liquidity and securing financing amidst ongoing restructuring efforts. He noted that approximately 7,000 jobs may be lost in the industry due to these changes, highlighting the scale of the transformation underway.
Balczun outlined systemic solutions being developed to support JSW through this transition, including amendments to mining legislation that would facilitate workforce optimization. Adam Rozmus, Vice-President of JSW, emphasized the need for improved work organization and planning to maintain production levels with a reduced workforce.
Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism regarding market conditions for coking coal and coke, with expectations of a market rebound by 2030. The Future Mining Forum & Expo also showcased innovative technologies aimed at transforming the mining sector, including advancements in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, which are essential for the industry’s evolution.
Overall, the conference served as a crucial platform for dialogue on the future of mining in Europe, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sector as it adapts to changing market dynamics and regulatory landscapes.
